Famed Hollywood icon Pink’s Hot Dogs coming to Southington

SOUTHINGTON — A Pink’s Hot Dogs restaurant will open in the former Carousel Cafe building at Lake Compounce for the upcoming season.

Pink’s Hot Dogs, founded in Hollywood in 1939 with restaurants across the country, will open on May 17. It’s the first Pink’s location on the east coast, with the closest restaurant in Ohio.

Lake Compounce has been marketing the new restaurant on social media and in press releases.

“So far we’ve gotten a really good response from the public,” said Sara Frias, marketing director for the park.

Pink’s has another restaurant at Raging Waters in California, a park owned by Palace Entertainment which also owns Lake Compounce.

Pink’s opening day will be celebrated with a Dachshund racing competition for the Fastest Hot Dog title.

The park opens on May 10 for the year. In addition to a Pink’s restaurant, the park will also add campground facilities, although the opening has been delayed due to cold weather impeding construction.

Frias said crews have been doing what they can despite frozen ground. The campground will likely be open between mid June and early July.